Kinesiotaping – THE New Muscle/Joint Healing Technique

Dublin, GA - A new technique used at Fairview Park Hospital to treat muscle spasms, muscle sprains and strains, and other injuries to muscles and joints is receiving high marks for promoting the body's natural healing process while reducing pain.

Known as the Kinesio Tex Taping method, the technique uses a flexible, elastic tape which lifts the skin from the impacted area, allowing circulation and normal body functions to continue. The method lifts the skin, allowing increased blood flow to the area or areas of problems, facilitating and enhancing the body to heal itself, said Stacey Davis, Director of Rehab/Therapy services at Fairview Park Hospital.

"The kinesiotape is elastic, therefore moving with the muscles and joints, allowing the person to do their normal daily activities without being restricted, she said.

Developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1973, Kinesio taping is used for those suffering from such injuries as back pain, muscle strains and spasms, joint displacement and even headaches. The pain from tennis elbow, post-mastectomy issues, and carpal tunnel are just some of the applications for Kinesio taping. The tape must be applied by asomeone who has specialized training in the kinesiotaping techniques. There are also certification courses that can be taken to receive certification with these techniques. Kinesiotaping is performed with tape that is elastic, latex- free and hypoallergenic, that moves with the muscles and joints; There are many techniques that can be used to help someone. The person applying the tape must use their evaluation skills to assess the problems and make a clinical decision as to what techniques will be the greatest benefit, said Davis.

Kinesio taping differs from regular taping methods that compress the impacted area and limit circulation to and movement of joints and muscles. This familiar white tape, referred to as "athletic strapping tape," is applied before a person performs a particular activity, and must be removed immediately afterward to prevent irritation to the skin. With the kinesio method, the elastic tape can be worn for three to five days and is water tolerant, which means the patient can bathe without having to remove the tape.

"You don't change anything about your normal routine as far as movement is concerned," said Davis. “These techniques allow an adjunct to existing techniques, enhancing what we do and reinforcing what we do clinically, helping us get better and faster results,” said Davis. It is a way to have our hands go with the patient as they leave, with the benefit of making real changes within a treatment session,” said Davis.

For information about Kinesio Tex Taping or other services provided by Rehab/Therapy Services at Fairview Park Hospital, contact Stacey Davis at (478) 274-3264.